Community & Sports Centre in Hailsham Open for Bookings

Bookings from residents and local community groups are being taken for the hire of Hailsham’s brand new community hall – the James West Community Centre – which is located off Brunel Drive in the north of the town and opened its doors to the public just a few months ago.

The James West Centre, named after the founder and Chairman of the Hailsham & District Sports Alliance (now Hailsham Active) who passed away in November 2016, consists of an 18m x 11.7m hall, able to accommodate an audience of around 200 seated for public performances.

The building also includes two meeting rooms (10 and 16-person capacity), a large kitchen, store rooms, toilets, changing rooms and a P.A. system.

The facility can be hired for community events, sports, business meetings, memorial services, youth groups and other social events, as well as private function hire.

The provision of a community hall and sports facility was made as part of the initial planning agreement between Wealden District Council and Welbury Farm developer, Taylor Wimpey.

“We’re very excited about the community hall,” said Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman. “Not only will this new space expand our opportunity for community and local sports activities in Hailsham, but also meet the growing need for community hall hire space in the area.”

“Our hope is to offer community and sporting groups low cost hire space, along with providing a quality and accessible new venue option for wedding receptions and other private function hires.”

Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira commented: “Hailsham has needed a new sports and community hall facility to cater for the increasing population locally.”

“This new purpose-built centre will play a key role in enabling Hailsham to fulfil its potential as a vibrant and inclusive town and we hope that the centre will be a hub of community life, offering a broad range of activities that meet the requirements and interests of sports clubs, businesses, community groups and public-sector organisations, as well as private hirers.”

For further information about the James West Community Centre, or to make a booking, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or by email: enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.